Stomach Cancer: Acupuncture as Complementary Treatment


Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a serious disease that develops in the lining of the stomach. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is often diagnosed in later stages, making treatment options more limited. While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are standards in the treatment of stomach cancer, acupuncture has emerged as a potential complementary approach to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.


Acupuncture as Treatment Method:

In cases of stomach cancer, acupuncture can be used to relieve pain, reduce nausea and vomiting, improve appetite, and strengthen the immune system.


Research Findings:

Although research on the use of acupuncture for the treatment of stomach cancer is limited, some studies suggest potential benefits:

A meta-analysis published in "PLOS ONE" in 2018 found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity and nausea in cancer patients, including those with stomach cancer.

A study published in the "Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics" in 2020 showed that acupuncture combined with conventional treatment resulted in improved quality of life and increased survival rates in stomach cancer patients.


Perspectives:

Acupuncture appears to be a promising complementary treatment method for stomach cancer, with research results indicating a significant reduction in symptoms and improvement in the quality of life for cancer patients. While further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms behind acupuncture and its long-term effects on stomach cancer, existing evidence suggests that acupuncture can be a valuable resource in the overall care of cancer patients.


References:


Lu, W. et al. (2018). "Acupuncture for the pain management of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis." PLOS ONE, 13(6), e0199166.

Zheng, X. et al. (2020). "Efficacy of acupuncture combined with chemotherapy in treating patients with advanced gastric cancer." Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 16(3), 535-540.